Three friends pedal to Paris for Southampton support charity

THREE Hampshire men have pedalled to Paris in a bid to support the families of people suffering substance abuse.

After Southampton City Council cut funding for a 20-year-old community charity, the son of a volunteer decided to take action.

Aaron Tebano’s mother Christine works as a volunteer for Parent Support Link (PSL).

PSL is a charity which helps the friends and families of people suffering with alcohol or drug addiction in Southampton, and Aaron is determined to help it continue.

Alongside two of his friends, the 27-year-old care worker took on a challenge to cycle 180 miles in three days and has now raised more than £500.

Riccardo Vullo, 27, a car salesman from Southampton and Joseph Fox, 26, a line manager for Co-op from the Isle of Wight, took on the epic cycle from Portsmouth to Paris with Aaron and the money they have raised will be used to help maintain a 24/7 telephone helpline.

Aaron said: “I have been aware of PSL’s work for a long time and wanted to find a way to help them.

“They are a huge lifeline to the families of people suffering substance abuse and it’s great to have done something that will help them to keep going.”

He added: “The best bit was catching a glimpse of the top of the tower from La Défense, after riding alongside huge lorries, through tunnels, having to guess the correct direction while holding our own against the cars manoeuvring around the Arc de Triomphe.”

To donate to the group’s fundraising challenge, visit the website justgiving.com/AtebanoPSL.